FBI seeks help identifying 2 men seen aboard ferries

The FBI is asking the public for help in identifying two men who were seen behaving unusually aboard several Washington state ferries.

About four weeks ago, the FBI fielded several reports from passengers and ferry workers about the men, who seemed "overly interested in the workings and layouts of the ferries," Special Agent Robbie Burroughs said Monday.

The FBI also publicized photos of the men, which were taken by a ferry employee, Burroughs said.

The Seattle P-I is not publishing the photos because neither man is considered a suspect nor has either been charged with a crime.

The FBI has no information suggesting that a terrorist attack on the ferry system is imminent, Burroughs said.

For weeks, the FBI has been trying to identify the men through "normal law enforcement channels," she said.

"We get tips periodically, but we don't get photos normally like these," Burroughs said. "We're hoping to use them to resolve this quickly."

Despite the photos, the FBI was unable Monday to provide the men's height, weight or estimated age.

Investigators also did not disclose which ferry runs they were spotted on.

Burroughs acknowledged that the FBI rarely publicizes information from an investigation, unless investigators are seeking a suspect wanted for a crime.

The decision was made "out of an abundance of caution" and "while keeping an open mind and realizing that what some people consider suspicious or unusual behavior actually might turn out to be something completely innocuous," she said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 206-622-0460.